Big tech has called child safety reform a “global contagion risk.”
Why? Because when one country stands up, others follow, and that threatens their business model.

In this Spotlight Moment with 36Months founders, Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli and Greg Attwells, we unpack the confronting language being used behind closed doors to stop child protection from spreading. As Australia pushes forward, the world is watching, and the stakes could not be higher.

This week alone, 2.6 million teens were freed from an experiment they never chose.

This is an important, eye-opening conversation about the very real risks of social media, and the changes we can all make to support one young mind at a time.

New Zealand Helplines:

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)

• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)

• Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053.

• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
  
  Follow us @b416.nz or find out more at b416.co.nz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of One Young Mind, we speak with Greg Atwells and Michael “Wippa” Wipfli, two of the dads behind 36 Months, the movement that helped Australia introduce a world-first minimum age for social media.

Recorded just after Australia’s under-16 law came into force, this conversation explores how a simple question, “What if no one was on it?”, sparked a national shift, and what New Zealand parents and policymakers can learn from it.

Greg and Wippa share what it took to turn parental concern into political action, how social norms rather than perfect enforcement drive lasting change, and why this moment matters far beyond Australia.

They also speak candidly about parenting through the transition. The grief some young people feel when social media is removed. The relief many parents experience. And the opportunity this creates to reclaim real-world independence, boredom, creativity and connection.

This is a hopeful, practical conversation about courage, leadership and why protecting children online should not rest on parents’ shoulders alone.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the 36 Months campaign began and why parents felt “damned if they do, damned if they don’t”

• What changed once social media access became a legal issue rather than a parenting battle

• Why age limits are about social norming, not punishment

• How Australia moved quickly and what New Zealand can learn from that

• Why tech companies can enforce age limits despite what they claim

• Supporting children through the transition off social media

• Practical ideas for parents navigating the off-social phase together

This episode is essential listening for parents, educators and anyone interested in how evidence, public will and leadership can come together to protect young minds.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Spotlight Moment, Jo Robertson speaks directly to parents already in the thick of it. She shares insights on what’s really happening for young people online, the pressures they’re under, and the practical steps you can take right now to protect and support your child.

This episode is for the parents whose kids are online, exposed, and trying to make sense of a digital world that’s moving fast. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to set boundaries, or worried about what your child is seeing and experiencing, this moment is for you.

This is an important, eye-opening conversation about the very real risks of social media, and the changes we can all make to support one young mind at a time.

New Zealand Helplines:

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)

• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)

• Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053.

• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
  
  Follow us @b416.nz or find out more at b416.co.nz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.